He was on his own – he had been finance director before becoming town manager in October and had not hired his replacement. And the town was facing its fourth year of cuts in a row.

This year he has Sanford Pooler as finance director, and whenever Musante mentions his name he smiles, and a budget that looks less bleak.

Musante will present the town’s fiscal 2013 budget to the Select Board and Finance Committee Friday at 4 p.m. in Town Hall.

The Town Government Act requires the manager to present the budget by Jan. 16. That day is Martin Luther King Day and town offices are closed.

The town budget includes police, fire and public works among other departments but excludes the school and library budgets.

Last year, Musante based his level-funded budget on an estimated 12.5 percent cut in state aid – ultimately the cut was about 7 percent.

This year the budget that he and Pooler are building is based on a 2 percent hike in state aid and is expected to be about 2.8 percent higher than the current $19 million, a rate of increase recommended by the Finance Committee.

Musante said Tuesday that Gov. Deval L. Patrick is slated to present a budget preview Jan. 20 at the Massachusetts Municipal Association meeting so they’ll know if their expectations will be met.

He said being able to hold health care costs the same helps all of the town’s budgets.

Plus the town is expected to see an increase in the town’s share of the hotel –meals tax sales tax.

The Jeff and its restaurant 30Boltwood are just two businesses expected to boost that contribution to the town. Pooler is guessing the opening of the inn-closed since 2008, will bring in about $50,000. Musante expects the amount could even be higher.